Manurewa High School was fortunate to have Mr David Shearer visit and spend time with students and staff on Friday 9th August.
Mr Shearer, Leader of the NZ Labour Party, has a wealth of experience in the humanitarian aid field. For over 20 years Mr Shearer worked in war-torn countries such as Sri Lanka, Somalia, Rwanda, Iraq and Kosovo organising a range of humanitarian aid support services including food and water supply, safety, health and infrastructure - basically doing what it takes to stabilise countries going through extreme troubles.
During his visit to Manurewa High, Mr Shearer spent time with a large group of students including those travelling to Cambodia in September as part of the HALP3 team, giving advice and retelling stories and events from his humanitarian aid days. His stories were educational and thought provoking - and made us appreciate how fortunate we are to live in a safe, supportive environment with a stable, elected government.
Mr Shearer exposed our students to a range of career opportunities available within the humanitarian aid world, and told of how effective and valued kiwis are when they help others. Mr Shearer regularly mentioned New Zealand's armed services and how their key role these days is helping with humanitarian aid, as well as the importance of volunteers in helping out. Being a local boy (Papatoetoe High) and an ex high school teacher Mr Shearer fitted in really well and gave our students and staff much to think about. It was a very valuable experience.